Crispy Chili Eggplant Eggs with Rice
Silky eggplant, crispy fried eggs, chili crisp, and warm rice make a fast dinner with plenty of texture.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 25 · Total: 35 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (112 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by late-night rice bowls, soy-glazed eggplant, and the satisfying crunch of a diner-style fried egg.
Story
Theo likes dinner when the skillet brings its own soundtrack. Eggplant gets soft in the middle and crisp at the edges, chili crisp supplies the volume, and the eggs make the bowl rich enough to call a meal. It is a road-trip rest stop in spirit, just with better rice.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 medium Asian eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Stir the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the eggplant for 8 minutes, turning until browned and tender.
- Pour in the soy mixture and toss for 2 minutes until the eggplant is glossy and the sauce clings.
- Divide the warm rice between two bowls and wipe out the skillet if needed.
- Heat the remaining oil, fry the eggs until the whites are crisp and the yolks are soft, then spoon chili crisp over them.
- Pile the eggplant over the rice, top with the fried eggs, scallions, and sesame seeds, and serve.
Chef Tips
- Asian eggplant cooks quickly, but regular eggplant cut into small cubes works too.
- Use a large skillet so the eggplant browns instead of steaming.
- Choose a chili crisp with crunchy bits for the best contrast.
- Add a splash of water when reheating leftover rice.
Cook's Notes
- **Eggplant:** Do not crowd the skillet or the pieces will steam.
- **Eggs:** Fry in the same pan after the eggplant for easy cleanup.
- **Heat:** Start with one teaspoon of chili crisp and add more at the table.